Francesco Petrarca - Epistolae - 1601

Francesco Petrarca (1304-1374)
Franc. Petrarchae philosophi, oratoris et poetae clarissimi Epistolarum familiarum libri XIV. Variarum lib. I. Sine titulo lib. I. Ad quosdam ex veteribus illustiores lib. I.
Lugduni (Lione), Apud Samuelem Crispinum (Samuel Crespin), (1601).

17,2 × 10 cm (in-12°). Pagine: (32), 683.

Elegant edition of Lyon in the sixteenth century of Petrarch’s Epistolae, which gathers the famous Epistolae Familiares (14 books), the Variae, Sine titulo and letters to ancient authors. The volume presents a beautiful typographic mark with a tree and laurel crown on the title page and woodcut decorations (ornate initials, borders).

It is one of the fundamental texts of European Humanism. Petrarch’s letters, written in elegant Latin and addressed to friends, rulers, intellectuals and even classical figures (Cicero, Seneca, etc.), constitute a literary, philosophical and autobiographical monument. In them Petrarch lays the foundations of modern humanism, reflects on the human condition, on history, politics and literature, contributing decisively to the transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. This 1601 edition, carefully curated with philological care, represents one of the compact and accessible printings of the Latin works of the “father of Humanism” in the early Seicento.

Rare edition on the antiquarian market.

Complete copies of this Lyonnaise print by Samuel Crespin are uncommon; copies in acceptable condition have reached significant prices (around 1,000–1,500 USD in the past for similar parchment copies). Its presence at auctions is sporadic, especially in period bindings.

Contemporary binding with gilding and decorations on the spine (as in the photo: title “PETRARCH. EPISTOL.”). Browning and foxing typical of the era throughout the text. Restorations to the spine and bindery wear and restoration visible on the title page (as documented in the provided images). Restorations of the joints (see photo). Overall a usable and fascinating copy, with all margins intact and readable text. Compact dimensions ideal for consultation.

A volume of great appeal for collectors of Latin classics, humanistic literature and Petrarch. A historical piece that testifies to the editorial fortune of the Canzoniere and the poet’s Latin works in the seventeenth century.